Diamond in the Rough: Sal Palermo III, Live Oak High School

Sal Palermo III is a 6’2 200lb Quarterback from Live Oak High School in Watson, LA. Sal is a big time athlete and a gifted dual threat quarterback. He brings tremendous toughness to the Quarterback position and possesses top-notch arm strength. Sal has the ability to put the ball where he wants to and is an excellent running quarterback as well, having the speed and decisive instincts to be able to shake defenders and break open big plays. Sal has great awareness on the field to be able to extend plays and make strong throws on the run too. He was a 2nd Team All Parish and All District Honorable Mention his Junior season at Live Oak. Palermo has his sights set on leading his team to a deep playoff run in 2018.

Height: 6’2

Weight: 200

40: 4.9

GPA: 3.98

ACT: 26

When did you start playing football?

I started playing when I was 7 years old at a Live Oak youth football league.

What is it that makes you love the game?

The brotherhood and being out there with your best friends. I love the competitiveness of the game and the intensity when its game time.

Who do you model your gameplay after?

Baker Mayfield because of the competitiveness and fire he plays with and just refusing to lose. Also Drew Brees and Peyton Manning because of their mindset and their ability to prepare before games.

What are you most motivated by?

I just love to win. My motivation is wanting to succeed and doing the best you can for the guy next to you. I’m motivated by not letting my coaches or teammates down. Just wanting to succeed for them.

What area of your game would you like to improve on this off season?

Getting a little quicker and faster. Just working on having a little more burst coming through the hole. This is something you need as much as we run the ball.

What would college coaches be most impressed with about you?

My arm strength and my leadership. I feel I’m one of the better arms around and I have a high ceiling. I have spent a lot of time at camps this summer trying to show off my arm. I just try to be me and lead by example.

What are your expectations for next season?

I want to go to the dome and win state. Just live it up for senior year, sink in every moment I can, and say I gave it everything I had. Just give everything I got and hopefully be on top at the end of the year.

What kind of student are you in the classroom?

I’m a pretty good student. I have a 3.9 GPA

What do you want to study in college?

It is going to be between accounting and engineering.

What have your learned about yourself while playing football?

I have learned about toughness and that you can get through anything. Last year was a big example of being down than coming together and climbing back up. We won our first two games then lost five games in a row. No matter what happens you have to stay positive and keep fighting. We then upset Sulphur and East Ascension. No matter how bad things may seem, eventually there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Who do you look up to and why?

I look up to my dad because I want to be just like him. He would do anything for me and he coached my baseball teams when I was younger. He is just a great guy and will do anything for anybody.

What would you consider your biggest strengths as a football player?

Definitely my toughness and my arm strength. You get hit a lot running the triple option so you learn to be tough.

What would your coach say about you?

He would talk about my toughness. He’s seen me take big hits and get right back up. He would also say that I’m a hard worker and a great leader.